Guatemala — Capital, Flag and Country Facts

Explore Guatemala: capital Guatemala City, population, flag, geography, languages, history and culture.

Guatemala is in North America. Its capital is Guatemala City.

Climate

Tropical; hot and humid in lowlands; cooler in highlands

Two east-west mountain ranges divide the country into three regions: Pacific lowlands, highlands, and Petén lowlands

Guatemala is home to Tikal, one of the largest ancient Mayan cities.

Chocolate was first made into a drink by the ancient Maya in the region that is now Guatemala.

Guatemala's national bird, the Resplendent Quetzal, was sacred to the Maya and its feathers were used as currency.

250: Classic period of Maya civilization begins with major city-states

1524: Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado conquers Guatemala

1821: Guatemala gains independence from Spain

1954: CIA-backed coup overthrows President Jacobo Árbenz

1960: Guatemalan Civil War begins, lasting 36 years

1996: Peace accords signed ending the civil war